The Burlington Department of Public Works began implementation on the first segment of the Bike Walk BTV Plan this summer. The O.N.E. Wiggle (Old North End Greenway) is intended to be a safe, low stress, east-west bike route connecting University of Vermont to Battery Park.

While this implementation process ran into some significant public involvement bumps along the way due to proposed removal of parking spaces on North Union Street, the DPW has acted with high integrity and demonstrated that they have the capacity to listen, adjust, collaborate, and work flexibly to address the concerns of the community.

While there is significant support for the overall project, concerns were raised about the loss of critical parking in a high density residential neighborhood. Though many in the biking community took these concerns as opposition to progress, the DPW took the concerns seriously and proactively vetted alternatives brought forward by community members. Those efforts have led to the staff recommending and the commission approving one of the alternatives as way to reduce the parking impact from the Wiggle.

As a result, this bike lane will be implemented in a way that achieves the stated objectives while minimizing negative impacts to the neighborhood. Additionally, the DPW is in the process of developing a public engagement plan. When enacted this plan will help insure that as future projects are implemented all stakeholders will be properly notified and be able to be part of a collaborative process to help promote project success and community support.

Chapin Spencer deserves credit for this successful process. His skilled management and openness paved the way for this positive outcome, and the DPW and city are fortunate to have his leadership.